2023 was one of the busiest years ever for the Airdrie Food Bank

With 2023 almost in the rearview mirror, the Airdrie Food Bank is very thankful for everybody that has helped in any way, shape or form to help fellow Airdronians in need.

This year, the Airdrie Food Bank has seen unprecedented levels of people asking for help.

Christine Taylor, Event, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Airdrie Food Bank talked about how they were a little concerned about if they could meet the demand.

"Back in September, we were a little worried we wouldn't have enough food for the holidays. But as always, when we ask our community, they always deliver and help us out."

This Christmas season, the Airdrie Food Bank has seen many different types of fundraisers help them out, including a first responders 'Charity Check Stop' and one that ended up seeing the Mayor get a pie to the face! In the months leading up to Christmas, they have also seen an influx of fundraisers.

"We are thrilled with the donations that are coming in over the holidays and that is what's going to help us adjust to the spring."

Through their two programs, the pantry program and the hamper program, they are feeding up to 600 families per week.

"In November, we had 85 brand new families to the food bank. And a considerable amount of those families are new to Canada as well."

According to Taylor, they spent $40,000 on formula, $30,000 on milk and $37,000 on snacks for their school programs.

"We know that food costs are rising and continuing to rise and we will be there to support our community. The Airdrie Food Bank used to be an emergency support for people if you've got behind on a bill or you had a medical expense. Now we're seeing that we are becoming a food source for people because everything is so expensive."

With 2024 just around the corner, Taylor stated they will be ready to go with all kinds of their usual events and fundraisers.

The Airdrie Food Bank wanted to extend a sincere thank you to everybody who helps out with events and donates if they can.

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